The Sports Administration & Facility Management (SAFM) Program at Ohio University offers three degree options:

• Master of Business Administration/Master of Sports Administration (MBA/MSA) Dual-Degree Program
• Juris Doctor/Master of Sports Administration (JD/MSA) Dual-Degree Program^*
• Master of Sports Administration (MSA) Degree Program^**

*in cooperation with Capital Law School
**available for students with previous graduate degrees in law or business

Why Ohio University?

1. The Curriculum: The MBA/MSA combination

The two-year MBA/MSA program prepares students for leadership positions by combining the business teaching of the Ohio University MBA program with sport-specific knowledge during the MSA program. This degree combination recognizes the growing complexity of the sports, facility and entertainment industries, and reinforces Ohio University's commitment to preparing students for the leadership challenges of the future.

The MBA phase of the program uses a problem-based learning style, immersing students in collaborative projects and working situations that are commonplace in the business world. Students learn basic business concepts in a real-life context, and develop skills in communication, collaboration and teamwork that are essential for success, while developing their ability to be creative, take initiative, and accept personal responsibility for their actions.

The MSA program combines classroom and practical experience to prepare individuals for leadership positions in the sport industry. An interdisciplinary approach gives students the freedom to choose courses of personal interest and build a foundation of knowledge in their desired career fields.

Click on the CURRICULUM link to view more details about each of the degree options.

2. SAFM Alumni Network

More than 85 percent of our graduates are employed in key positions within intercollegiate athletics, professional sports, public assembly facilities, sports tours, motor sports, corporate sports organizations, sports media, and the entertainment industries. The loyalty of our alumni and the reputation of the program translate into a wide variety of excellent internship and employment opportunities. Visit the CAREERS section to view a sample of positions held by SAFM alumni.

3. Practical Learning Opportunities

Learning also take places outside the classroom as students work on class projects, such as the program’s annual alumni symposium and various opportunities offered by the Ohio University Athletic Department. Many also choose to pursue work opportunities during the winter break of the second year. In recent years, students have interned at the Baseball Winter Meetings, the Sugar Bowl, the Orange Bowl, and the NCAA Soccer Championships. Other opportunities are included in the program curriculum via practicum credits. Students have received this type of credit for events like the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Super Bowl, and Hula Bowl, as well as many others.

4. International Diversity

The program’s reputation has grown on both the national and international levels, attracting students from Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, England, India, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mauritius, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Taiwan and Thailand. Our international diversity provides a valuable perspective as the sport industry becomes increasingly globalized.